Claims:CLAIMS
We claim
1. A member for reinforcing a pillar assembly of a vehicle, said member comprising:
a first portion having a first end; a second end; and a plurality of mounting points, said first portion defining substantially a U shaped curve; and
a second portion adapted for mounting said member to a panel of said pillar, said second portion extended from one of the sides of said first portion,
wherein
said first portion is adapted to collapse in lateral and longitudinal directions of vehicle during an collision of the vehicle and each of said mounting points are adapted for mounting a door hinge.
2. The member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pillar assembly is an A-pillar assembly of a vehicle.
3. The member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first portion of said member further comprises a plurality of openings each adapted for receiving at least one fastener for mounting the door hinge.
4. The member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said panel is an inner panel of said pillar assembly.
5. A pillar assembly for a vehicle, said pillar assembly comprising:
an inner panel;
a middle panel;
an outer panel; and
a first reinforcing member adapted for reinforcing said pillar assembly, wherein said first reinforcing member having a first portion and a second portion, said first portion having a first end; a second end; and a plurality of mounting points and said first portion defining substantially a U shaped curve; and
a second portion adapted for mounting said first reinforcing member to said inner panel of said pillar, said second portion extended from one of the sides of said first portion,
wherein
said first reinforcing member is fastened to said inner panel;
said first portion is adapted to collapse in lateral and longitudinal directions of vehicle during a collision of the vehicle; and
each of said mounting points are adapted for mounting a door hinge.
6. The pillar assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said pillar assembly is an A-pillar assembly.
7. The pillar assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first portion of said first reinforcing member further comprises a plurality of openings each adapted for receiving at least one fastener for mounting the door hinge.
8. The pillar assembly as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a second reinforcing member adapted to transfer impact force from said first reinforcing member.
9. The pillar assembly as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a third reinforcing member adapted to transfer impact force from said second reinforcing member.
10. The pillar assembly as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a fourth reinforcing member adapted to transfer impact force from said third reinforcing member.

Dated this 10th August 2015
Signature:

Name: Kalyan Chakravarthy
, Description:FORM 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2005

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTION 10 AND RULE 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“REINFORCED A - PILLAR ASSEMBLY TO MINIMIZE DOOR INTRUSIONS IN A VEHICLE”

APPLICANT:

Name Nationality Address
Mahindra & Mahindra Limited Indian Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.,
MRV, Mahindra World City (MWC),
Plot No. 41/1, Anjur Post, Chengalpattu,
Kanchipuram District – 603204 (TN) INDIA

The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to A-pillar in vehicles and more particularly but not exclusively to reinforced A- pillar in vehicles.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, an A-Pillar and its connectivity have major contribution in the strength of occupant cage of a vehicle which plays a major role in occupant leg injury, steering intrusions, firewall intrusions and door compression during frontal impact/frontal collision scenarios. Higher energy absorbing capacity of occupant cage increases overall strength of body-in-white of the vehicle and structural integrity during an impact. The connectivity of A-Pillar to its connecting components like front hinge pillar, allows transferring of force in a designed load path to minimize the overall intrusion values.
[003] Conventionally, front hinge pillars in vehicles have separate reinforcement for door hinges, where the relative free movement of door hinges is a disadvantage during frontal crash scenarios which leads to higher door compression intrusions. Further, deformation of front hinge pillar results in shifted energy absorption path and leads to more intrusion in steering column.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for a reinforced A-pillar assembly in a vehicle for improving the structural integrity of the vehicle during a crash. Furthermore there exists a need for a reinforced A pillar assembly that can eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[005] The principle object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a reinforced A-pillar assembly for minimizing door intrusions in a vehicle during a collision.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a reinforced A-pillar assembly for improving the structural integrity of the occupant cage of the vehicle during a collision.
[007] Yet, another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a reinforced A-pillar assembly for a vehicle that provides a guided load path for transfer of impact forces during a collision.
[008] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[009] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a exploded view of an A-pillar assembly of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the A-pillar assembly of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 3a depicts a front view of a first reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 3b depicts a perspective view of a first reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3c depicts a cross-sectional view of the first reinforcing member along the line A-A as shown in FIG. 3a according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0015] FIG. 3d depicts a cross sectional view of the first reinforcing member along the line B-B as shown in FIG. 3a according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
[0016] FIG. 4a depicts a front view of a second reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 4b depicts a perspective view of a second reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 5a depicts a front view of a third reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 5b depicts a perspective view of a third reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0020] FIG. 6a depicts a front view of a fourth reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 6b depicts a perspective view of a fourth reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0022] FIG. 7 depicts a front view of a door of the vehicle before a frontal impact according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0023] FIG. 8 depicts a front view of a door of the vehicle tested with conventional A-pillar assembly after a frontal impact;
[0024] FIG. 9 depicts a front view of a door of the vehicle tested with A-pillar assembly after a frontal impact according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0025] FIG. 10 depicts a front view of the first reinforcing member, second reinforcing member, third reinforcing member and fourth reinforcing member assembled with the inner panel of A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0027] The embodiments herein achieve a reinforced A-pillar assembly for minimizing door intrusions in a vehicle during a collision. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 9, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of an A-pillar assembly of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the A-pillar assembly of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The A-pillar assembly 100 includes an inner panel 102, a first reinforcing member 104, a second reinforcing member 106, a third reinforcing member 108, a fourth reinforcing member 110, a middle panel 112 and an outer panel 114.
[0029] In an embodiment the inner panel 102 defines the basic shape of the A-pillar assembly 100 and is the inner most part of the A-pillar assembly 100.
[0030] FIG. 3a depicts a front view of a first reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 3b depicts a perspective view of a first reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 3c depicts a cross-sectional view of the first reinforcing member along the line A-A as shown in FIG. 3a according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 3d depicts a cross sectional view of the first reinforcing member along the line B-B as shown in FIG. 3a according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
[0031] In an embodiment the first reinforcing member 104 is used for reinforcing the A-pillar assembly 100. The first reinforcing member 104 includes a first portion 104a and a second portion 104b. The first portion 104a includes a first end 104c, a second end 104d, a plurality of mounting points 104e and a plurality of openings 104f. In an embodiment the first portion 104a defines a curve. In an embodiment the first portion 104a defines a U shaped curve as shown in Fig. 3d. The first portion 104a is adapted to collapse in lateral and longitudinal directions of vehicle during impact.
[0032] In an embodiment the plurality of mounting points 104e is used for mounting the door hinges (not shown). In an embodiment the plurality of openings 104f are used for receiving fasteners (not shown) for mounting the door hinges (not shown).
[0033] In an embodiment the second portion 104b is a flat region extended from one of the sides of the first portion 104a. The second portion 104b is used for mounting or connecting the first reinforcing member 104 with the inner panel 102.
[0034] FIG. 10 depicts a front view of the first reinforcing member, second reinforcing member, third reinforcing member and fourth reinforcing member assembled with the inner panel of A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
[0035] The first reinforcing member 104 is attached or connected to the inner panel 102. The first reinforcing member 104 reduces the deformation of A-pillar assembly 100 during a collision and minimizes the intrusion of the door 200. In an embodiment the mounting points 104e includes a cross-section as shown in Fig. 3c.
[0036] FIG. 4a depicts a front view of a second reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 4b depicts a perspective view of a second reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0037] In an embodiment the second reinforcing member 106 includes a first end 106a and a second end 106b. The first end 106a is connected with the second end 104d of the first reinforcing member 104 and the second end 106b is connected with the third reinforcing member 108 and the second reinforcing member 106 is mounted to the inner panel 102. In an embodiment the second reinforcing member 106 is used for transferring the impact force from the first reinforcing member 104 to the third reinforcing member 108 during a collision.
[0038] FIG. 5a depicts a front view of a third reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 5b depicts a perspective view of a third reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
[0039] In an embodiment the third reinforcing member 108 is a L –shaped member and includes a first leg 108a and a second leg 108b. The first leg 108a is connected with the second end 106b of the second reinforcing member 106 and the second leg 108b is connected to the fourth reinforcing member 110 and the third reinforcing member 108 is mounted to the inner panel 102. In an embodiment the third reinforcing member 108 is used for transferring the impact force from the second reinforcing member 106 to the fourth reinforcing member 110 during a collision.
[0040] FIG. 6a depicts a front view of a fourth reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 6b depicts a perspective view of a fourth reinforcing member of the A-pillar assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
[0041] In an embodiment the fourth reinforcing member 110 includes a first end 110a and a second end 110b. The first end 110a is connected with the second leg 108b of the third reinforcing member 108 and the second end 110b is connected with the middle panel 112 and the fourth reinforcing member 110 is mounted to the inner panel 102. The fourth reinforcing member 110 is used for transferring the impact force from the third reinforcing member 108 to the middle panel 112.
[0042] In an embodiment the middle panel 112 is used as an additional reinforcement for the A-pillar assembly 100. The middle panel 112 overlaps the first reinforcing member 104, second reinforcing member 106, third reinforcing member 108 and fourth reinforcing member 110 and is connected/fastened to the inner panel 102.
[0043] In an embodiment the outer panel 114 overlaps the middle panel 112 and connected/fastened to the inner panel 102. In an embodiment the outer panel 114 is used for additional strength and styling. In an embodiment the middle panel 112 and the outer panel 114 are provided with openings (not shown) for receiving fasteners (not shown) for mounting the door hinges (not shown).
[0044] In an embodiment the first reinforcing member 104, second reinforcing member 106, third reinforcing member 108 and fourth reinforcing member 110 are used for reinforcing A-pillar of a vehicle (not shown). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the first reinforcing member 104, second reinforcing member 106, third reinforcing member 108 and fourth reinforcing member 110 for reinforcing B-pillar, C-pillar or D-pillar of a vehicle.
[0045] FIG. 7 depicts a front view of a door of the vehicle before a frontal impact according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 8 depicts a front view of a door of the vehicle tested with conventional A-pillar assembly after a frontal impact. FIG. 9 depicts a front view of a door of the vehicle tested with A-pillar assembly after a frontal impact according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
[0046] In an embodiment the A-pillar assembly 100 is tested using a computer aided engineering (CAE) software as follows. A door 200 as shown in Fig. 7 in conjunction with a conventional A-pillar assembly (not shown) is tested for a frontal collision and door intrusion/compression values at certain locations (location 1, location 2, location 3) in the door 200 is measured after the collision as shown in Fig. 8.
[0047] Similarly the door 200 as shown in Fig. 7 in conjunction with the A-pillar assembly 100 is tested for a frontal collision and door intrusion/compression values at certain locations (location 1, location 2, location 3) in the door 200 is measured after the collision as shown in Fig. 9.
[0048] The below table shows the comparison between door compressions for conventional A-pillar assembly (not shown) and the A-pillar assembly 100. From the below table it is very clear that the A-pillar assembly 100 helps in minimizing the door intrusions.
Location-1 Location-2 Location-3
Conventional A-pillar assembly 45.6 mm mm 46.7 mm 33.4 mm
A-pillar assembly 100 25.4 mm 15.7 mm 9 mm

[0049] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

CLAIMS
We claim
1. A member for reinforcing a pillar assembly of a vehicle, said member comprising:
a first portion having a first end; a second end; and a plurality of mounting points, said first portion defining substantially a U shaped curve; and
a second portion adapted for mounting said member to a panel of said pillar, said second portion extended from one of the sides of said first portion,
wherein
said first portion is adapted to collapse in lateral and longitudinal directions of vehicle during an collision of the vehicle and each of said mounting points are adapted for mounting a door hinge.
2. The member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pillar assembly is an A-pillar assembly of a vehicle.
3. The member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first portion of said member further comprises a plurality of openings each adapted for receiving at least one fastener for mounting the door hinge.
4. The member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said panel is an inner panel of said pillar assembly.
5. A pillar assembly for a vehicle, said pillar assembly comprising:
an inner panel;
a middle panel;
an outer panel; and
a first reinforcing member adapted for reinforcing said pillar assembly, wherein said first reinforcing member having a first portion and a second portion, said first portion having a first end; a second end; and a plurality of mounting points and said first portion defining substantially a U shaped curve; and
a second portion adapted for mounting said first reinforcing member to said inner panel of said pillar, said second portion extended from one of the sides of said first portion,
wherein
said first reinforcing member is fastened to said inner panel;
said first portion is adapted to collapse in lateral and longitudinal directions of vehicle during a collision of the vehicle; and
each of said mounting points are adapted for mounting a door hinge.
6. The pillar assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said pillar assembly is an A-pillar assembly.
7. The pillar assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first portion of said first reinforcing member further comprises a plurality of openings each adapted for receiving at least one fastener for mounting the door hinge.
8. The pillar assembly as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a second reinforcing member adapted to transfer impact force from said first reinforcing member.
9. The pillar assembly as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a third reinforcing member adapted to transfer impact force from said second reinforcing member.
10. The pillar assembly as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a fourth reinforcing member adapted to transfer impact force from said third reinforcing member.

Dated this 10th August 2015
Signature:

Name: Kalyan Chakravarthy

ABSTRACT
Reinforced A-pillar assembly to minimize door intrusions in a vehicle includes an inner panel, a first reinforcing member, a second reinforcing member, a third reinforcing member, a fourth reinforcing member, a middle panel and an outer panel. The first reinforcing member includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first end, a second end, and a plurality of mounting points and the first portion defines a U shaped curve and the second portion is used for mounting the first reinforcing member to the inner panel of the A-pillar. The first reinforcing member is fastened to inner panel and first portion is adapted to collapse in lateral and longitudinal directions of vehicle during a collision of the vehicle and each of the mounting points are adapted for mounting a door hinge.